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How to Spot Fake e-commerce sites when Shopping and Shipping to Kenya
When shopping online and shipping to Kenya, protecting yourself from online shopping fraud is crucial especially when you're a world away from the bustling e-commerce hubs of the US, the UK, and China. As a Kenyan shopper, your trust and security matter to us. We’ve unfortunately had customers who’ve fallen for fake online deals that were too good to be true and were in hindsight easy to spot as fakes. We understand that navigating the vast online marketplace can be overwhelming, and we want to ensure that you have the knowledge and tools to spot fake websites. Below are 10 key signs that you are about to be scammed when shopping online.
1. Unusual Domain Names
Fake or fraudulent websites often use domain names that are intentionally misspelled or contain slight variations of popular brands of well-known websites. For example, instead of "amazon.com," a fraudulent site might use "amazoon.com." Or niike.com instead of “nike.com”. Be wary of such domains as they are designed to deceive you.
2. Poor Website Design and User Experience
Legitimate online stores typically invest in good website design and a smooth user experience. In contrast, fake websites often have low-quality graphics, broken links, and an overall unprofessional appearance. If the site looks outdated, disorganized, or lacks essential functionality, it's a red flag and a good sign that you are about to be scammed.
3. Suspicious URLs
Carefully examine the website's URL before making any purchases. Check for inconsistencies, such as missing encryption or unfamiliar domain extensions. Ensure that the URL starts with "https://" instead of just "http://". Encryption ("https://") indicates that the website is secure. Thankfully, most browsers nowadays will let you know if a website is not encrypted and therefore not safe to visit.
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Pay attention to the quality of the website's content. Fake websites often exhibit numerous grammar and spelling mistakes throughout their product descriptions, instructions, or policies. Such errors suggest that the website may have been hurriedly created, indicating that it may be fraudulent.
5. Lack of Contact Information
Trustworthy online stores provide clear and legitimate contact information. This may including a physical address, a phone number, and a customer support email address. Fake websites often omit or provide fake or vague contact information. If you cannot find a way to reach out to the company or its customer support, it's best to be cautious.
6. Unrealistic Discounts and Deals
If an online store offers deals or discounts that seem too good to be true, especially on popular brand-name products, exercise caution. Scammers often try to lure you with excessively low prices on popular items or limited-time offers. Research the market price of the product to determine if the discount is within a reasonable range. You can do this by visiting the actual brand’s website to see the price of the item. Trust your instincts and be wary of deals that appear too good to be true.
7. Missing or Incomplete Policies
Genuine e-commerce websites typically have well-defined refund and return policies, terms of service, and privacy policies. Fake websites may lack or provide vague and incomplete information in these sections. When in doubt about the website, verify that the website clearly outlines its policies to ensure you understand your rights and protections as a customer.
8. Absence of Customer Reviews or Testimonials
Authentic customer reviews and testimonials serve as valuable social proof for a reliable online store. If you cannot find any customer feedback or reviews through external sources, exercise caution. Fake websites often lack this important credibility indicator, as they are relatively new or they are deliberately hiding negative feedback.
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Secure online stores prioritize the protection of customer payment information. Be cautious if a website lacks recognizable and trusted payment gateways. Look for SSL encryption ("https://") during the payment process, and consider using well-known payment options like PayPal or trusted credit card processors. If an online store requests you to send money via a method such as Western Union or a wire transfer, it may be best to stay away from it.
10. Trust Seals and Certifications
Trusted websites often display recognized trust seals and certifications to demonstrate their commitment to security and customer satisfaction. Look for symbols from reputable organizations like McAfee, VeriSign, or BBB (Better Business Bureau). However, be cautious of counterfeit trust seals that scammers may imitate. Verify the legitimacy of the trust seals by clicking on them to ensure they link to the respective organization's website. As an example, Savo Store has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau which is clearly displayed on our website.
When shopping online and shipping to Kenya, remember to stay vigilant and trust your instincts. By being proactive and informed, you can buy anything you want from the US and have it shipped to Kenya without experiencing any fraud. If you are in doubt about whether an e-commerce store is legit, contact us so we can assist you. We can also purchase goods on your behalf thus helping you avoid the hassle of verifying whether a website is legit. Whether you're purchasing electronics, fashion, or any other goods, we hope your online shopping experience is secure, enjoyable, and filled with genuine bargains. Happy shopping, and stay safe!
Create an account now and start shopping in the U.S. from the comfort of your home or office hassle-free.
